Diabetes remains a significant health concern in the United States, affecting nearly 39 million individuals and ranking as the eighth leading cause of death. Managing diabetes is crucial due to its potential complications, including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
At the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions held in Orlando, Florida, from June 21 to 24, two studies presented at posters explored the role of remote continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in diabetes management.
Study 1: Remote CGM in Older Patients
The first study focused on assessing the benefits and challenges of implementing a virtual CGM platform for older patients undergoing multiple daily insulin injections. Conducted between January and December 2023, the study included 24 patients with an average age of 72 years and an average diabetes duration of 30 years. Key findings revealed that all patients viewed remote education, ease of scheduling, and the overall value of remote CGM positively. Despite some challenges such as mobile application difficulties, alarm annoyance, and concerns about Medicare coverage, 95% of patients expressed intent to continue using CGM post-study.
Study 2: Remote CGM Post-Hospital Discharge
In the second study, researchers conducted a prospective cohort study comparing remote CGM versus manual CGM usage after hospital discharge in 100 patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants had an A1c greater than 8% and were using basal insulin. Results indicated that the remote CGM group achieved a median glucose level of 176 mg/dl and spent 53% of their time in the target glucose range, compared to 203 mg/dl and 40% time in range for the manual CGM group. Technological barriers, such as incompatible cell phones or lack of smartphones, were noted in the manual CGM group.
“Early findings suggest that remote CGM monitoring post-discharge is associated with better glycemic control compared to manual methods,” concluded the authors. They emphasized the need to overcome technological barriers to optimize glycemic outcomes in discharged patients.
These studies underscore the potential of remote CGM technology to enhance diabetes management, particularly in older populations and during transitions of care post-hospitalization. By addressing usability challenges and expanding access to remote monitoring tools, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and quality of life in diabetic care settings.
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